An unknown sample known to contain either triglycerides or phospholipids is plac

Question

An unknown sample known to contain either triglycerides or phospholipids is placed in water. The sample forms a separate layer on top of the water, with no mixing in the bulk volume of water. What type of lipid does the sample contain, and what structural element is responsible for the sample’s behavior in water? a. Triglycerides, double bonds in fatty acid tails b. Triglycerides, ester linkages c. Triglycerides, long-chain hydrocarbon tails d. Phospholipids, ester linkages e. Phospholipids, glycerol backbone

Explanation / Answer

c. Triglycerides, long chain hydrocarbon chains

this is because the long chain hydrocarbon tails will add to the hydrophobicity (water-hating nature) of the molecule.

double bond and ester linkages add a little polarity to the molecule increasing its potency to be water soluble. Phospholipids contain a PO4- (phosphate) moeity which is charged and hence highlly hydrophillic(water-loving) and will hence be miscible in water.

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